Best Pickles For Sandwiches

A sandwich without a pickle is just bread with ambitions. The pickle cuts through the fat of the meat, sharpens the flavor of the cheese, and gives every bite that bright, tangy punctuation mark that makes the whole thing land. In our honest opinion, it’s not optional. It’s structural. And yet most people still treat the pickle layer as an afterthought rather than the deliberate, load-bearing decision it actually is.

We're The Pickle Factory, the world's first and only pickle superstore, rooted in six generations of tradition. Our goal is to be a corner variety store, better-for-you snack shack, and a family-friendly neighborhood hangout all in one. And you can’t be any of those things without having something tasty to nosh on, right? Sandwiches are one of the best possible vehicles for a great pickle, and we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about which styles, cuts, and flavor profiles work best depending on what you’re building. That said, our lineup covers the full range, from classic crinkle chips to garlicky deli slices, sweet heat options, and beyond.

In this article, we’ll cover the best pickles for sandwiches, share our top picks, and point you toward a few recipes worth making this week.

Check out our Blog

Twice Baked Pickle Potatoes

Twice Baked Pickle Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and pickle-loaded (of course), these Twice Baked Potatoes make an easy dinner side or crowd-pleasing game day appetizer. ...
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

This high-protein Dill Pickle Chicken Salad blends creamy, crunchy, and subtly sweet fall flavors into an easy lunch. Pack it...
Fried Pickle and Olives Basket

Fried Pickle and Olives Basket

Skip the potatoes and grab the pickles. This fun and flavorful fried basket turns dill pickles and garlic-stuffed olives into the ultimate crispy snack. 

Why The Cut Matters When Choosing A Pickle For Sandwiches

Before getting into specific picks, it helps to understand why cut and format can make or break sandwich pickles. A spear sitting on the side of a plate is one thing. But a pickle that lives between the bread, contributing flavor and texture to every bite, is a completely different conversation.

Thin slices and chips distribute flavor evenly without creating an overwhelming layer. Meanwhile, crinkle cuts hold condiments and add satisfying texture contrast. In contrast, thick slices add more brine flavor per bite. That said, knowing what role you want your pickle to play will point you toward the right format faster than anything else.

The Best Sliced Pickles For Burgers And Sandwiches

Here's our lineup of the best sandwich pickles, organized by flavor profile so you can match the right one to whatever you're building. 

The Classic Deli Pick

For classic deli-style flavor, the Classic NYC Deli Pickle by Frankie's Fine Brine is the gold standard. Briny, bold, and halved for a satisfying bite, the half-sour brine gives these a bright, tangy quality that works beautifully on any cold sandwich, deli build, or grilled creation where you want assertive pickle flavor without anything competing with the other ingredients.

The Best Hamburger Pickles In Our Lineup

These are the best hamburger pickles in our lineup, full stop. The Crinkle Dill Pickle Chips from our own Jarred Collection expertly grip the bun and condiments, stay in place through every bite, and provide that crave-worthy crunch that flat-cut chips sometimes miss. There’s pretty much zero chance you’ll have just one, so feel free to stack them generously.

The Everyday Sandwich Staples

To start, the Garlic Dill Pickles by The People's Provisions bring a more confident flavor presence than a standard dill slice. Made with garlic, dill, black peppercorn, and mustard seed, the garlic note adds a savory depth that levels up simple sandwiches, especially on anything with a rich protein like roasted chicken, pulled pork, or a thick-cut patty.

For the sandwich builder who wants dill flavor front and center rather than a background note, Double Dills from our Jarred Collection give you exactly that. We doubled the dill because you deserve it. The herbaceous intensity makes these a great choice for anyone who finds standard dill pickles too mild. 

Sandwich Pickles By Flavor Profile

Different sandwiches call for different pickle personalities. Here’s how to match them up.

For Deli-Style Builds

Classic dill and garlic dill pickles belong on any traditional sandwich. Garlic Dill Pickles by The People's Provisions and the Classic NYC Deli Pickle by Frankie's Fine Brine are both excellent choices here. The flavor is familiar and direct without pulling the sandwich in an unexpected direction.

For Sweet And Salty Builds

Bread & Butter Pickle Chips from The People's Provisions are the move for any sandwich where a little sweetness would improve the overall balance. Fried chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and turkey clubs all benefit from the sweet-salty contrast, with an added savory hit from onion and spices that these pickles provide. Plus, the crinkle cut keeps things tidy and distributes that flavor evenly across every bite.

For Spicy Builds

Sweet and Spicy Pickles and Spicy Garlic Pickles by The People's Provisions both earn a place on sandwiches that can handle the heat. The Sweet and Spicy Pickles start with a smooth sweetness and end with a delightfully fiery finish that will keep you coming for seconds, whereas the thick-cut Spicy Garlic Pickles are exceptional on anything hearty enough to stand up to three types of chiles that don’t hold back. Both add a sharp dimension that kicks every bite up a notch.

Recipes That Put Your Sandwich Pickles To Work

A great pickle deserves an equally amazing sandwich, and we have a few recipes worth trying that put these pickles exactly where they belong. To start, the Crunchwrap Pickle Cravewich is built around pickle flavor as a central element rather than a garnish, and it delivers in a big way. Use the Crinkle Dill Pickle Chips or the Garlic Dill Pickles for the best results.

For something unexpected that actually works, the Spicy and Sweet Pickle Peanut Butter Sandwich pairs sweet heat pickle flavor with creamy peanut butter in a combination that sounds strange until you try it. The Sweet and Spicy Pickles are the perfect match here.

From there, the Pickle Chip Sliders are a crowd-pleasing favorite that showcases crinkle-cut pickle chips at their best, and the Pickle Hot Dogs Platter is the kind of spread where great sandwich pickles get to shine in a different format entirely.

Stocking Your Sandwich Pickle Collection

The best sandwich experience comes from having options. A classic dill for traditional builds, a sweet chip for the days you want something different, and a spicy slice for bolder builds covers most situations well. Our Build a Pickle Box lets you mix and match exactly the sandwich pickles you want so your fridge is always stocked. Pick your profiles, build your box, and never build a boring sandwich again.

Stocking Your Sandwich Pickle Collection

The best sandwich experience comes from having options. A classic dill for traditional builds, a sweet chip for days when you want something milder, and a spicy slice for bold burgers cover most situations well. Our Build a Pickle Box option lets you mix and match the precise sandwich pickles you want, so your fridge is always stocked. Pick your faves, create your lineup, and never make a boring sandwich again.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best pickle for a sandwich depends on what you’re building. For classic deli and burger applications, our Crinkle Dill Pickle Chips or the Classic NYC Deli Pickle by Frankie's Fine Brine are both excellent choices. For sweet-leaning builds, Bread & Butter Pickle Chips are hard to beat. For anything spicy, the Sweet and Spicy Pickles or Spicy Garlic Pickles by The People's Provisions are the move.

Crinkle-cut pickle chips are the best format for burgers because the ridged surface grips the bun and condiments, keeping the pickle in place through every bite. Flat chips work too, but crinkle cuts tend to stay put better and add a more satisfying texture contrast.

Absolutely. Bread and butter pickles are especially good on fried chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and any build where the filling has a rich, savory flavor that benefits from a sweet-tangy contrast. The chip cut distributes that sweetness evenly rather than concentrating it in one spot.

It depends on the sandwich. Thin slices and chips are better for builds where you want consistent pickle flavor in every bite without the pickle dominating. Thicker slices add more presence and brine flavor per bite, which is great on heartier builds like a loaded burger or a deli sub.

Garlic dill and kosher dill styles are the classic choice for deli-style sandwiches. For instance, the Garlic Dill Pickles by The People's Provisions deliver that authentic deli flavor that makes a cold-cut sandwich taste like the real thing.

Of course, and they’re particularly good on sandwiches with bold, rich fillings that can handle a little heat. Spicy Garlic Pickles by The People's Provisions work well on grilled meats and hearty burgers, while the Sweet and Spicy Pickles are a great choice for anything where you want heat and sweetness working together.